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Sergio Lobera offers sincere apologies to FC Goa fans after first loss of the season

2nd November 2018

~ Spanish head coach takes full responsibility for performance ~

FC Goa suffered its heaviest defeat under Sergio Lobera when the Gaurs went down 1-4 to Jamsedhpur FC on Thursday. The head coach took full responsibility for the result and has apologised to the fans following the game here at Jamshedpur.

“Firstly, we need to apologise to our fans. I know our fans’ emotions will be hurt following our display tonight and I want to apologise to all our fantastic fans,” stated Lobera in the post-match press conference.

“This is the worst game we have played in my tenure at FC Goa. As a coach, I take full responsibility for this. This team is capable of playing much better. We will look to improve and the work for that starts from tomorrow.”

Can’t hide behind Coro excuse

FC Goa went into the game without the talismanic Coro who saw a straight red in the last game against FC Pune City. The head coach, however, refused to use his absence as an excuse.

“Looking back at the game, it would be a big mistake for me as a coach to state that we lost because of one player’s absence,” added Lobera.

The Spaniard had already stated ahead of the game that one individual can win a few games but to win the title, the whole team needs to perform well.

Praise to Jamshedpur

Lobera went on to praise Jamshedpur FC as well as the atmosphere at the stadium, conceding that the the final score reflected the kind of games the two sides had. He, however, didn’t feel that the Gaurs adopted a more defensive style in the game.

Speaking on the game, Lobera iterated, “I don’t feel we started off playing in a defensive style. It was, in fact, an adjustment as well as a compliment to the way Jamshedpur played in the game.

“They started off really well and had large chunks of possession. And like most other teams, it’s harder to play when you don’t have the ball.

“We were really far away from the ideology of our game. Our style of play is our strength, but sadly we diverted away from that tonight.

“The result was a fair one. We knew that Jamshedpur likes to press and like to recover the ball as quickly as possible. We went into the game knowing these things.

“As a coach, I take full responsibility for not putting my side in the best position to execute the plans.”
The head coach further praised the crowd that turned up at the JRD Tata Sports Complex and hoped to see vociferous support from the fans across India.

The Gaurs will have a lot of pondering to do in the next few days. The coaching team led by Sergio Lobera will look to get FC Goa back on track in their next game which sees the Delhi Dynamos pay a visit to Fatorda on November 8.